Valentine's Day is the perfect time to shower all your loved ones with affection and heartfelt gestures and, of course, food prepared with love. Whether it's a quiet celebration at home or a grand one, a sweet ending is a must, and there is something that screams romance, a molten chocolate cake. This decadent dessert is rich with a gooey center, while the outside is tenderly crispy. For all chocolate lovers, this cake will be a great treat. Gourmet in name, it's actually not very complicated to prepare at home, even if you're not much of a baker.
As you plan out your Valentine's menu, this molten chocolate cake recipe steals the hearts because it is not only heavenly but also due to its very quick and stress-free preparation. Now imagine having fun slicing that cake and when it comes open the molten inside just gushing out at your pleasure with whatever choice of side from fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream, ready to woo your Valentine with this tempting piece?
Ingredients
Method:
Preheat your oven to 230°C. Grease four ramekins generously with butter and dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
Place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, with the bottom not touching the water. Pour in the chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally until melted and glossy. Remove from heat and cool lightly.
Using another bowl, beat the eggs, yolks, sugar, and salt together with an electric mixer until thick and slightly pale in color. It's very important to beat the eggs for this recipe for a smooth and airy texture.
Slowly fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped eggs with a spatula. Do this gently, until there are no streaks visible.
Sift flour into the batter and gently fold it in. Mix only until just combined with flour. Be careful not to overmix since that will deflate the batter.
Divide the batter evenly into prepared ramekins. Fill each ramekin three-quarters of the way.
If baking immediately, place the ramekins on a baking sheet and transfer them to the oven. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still jiggly.
If you’ve refrigerated the batter beforehand, add 2-3 minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.
Let the cakes rest in the ramekins for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. Then, gently invert each ramekin onto a plate, giving it a few seconds before lifting it off.
Serve the molten chocolate cakes warm, garnished with toppings like powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Add a spoonful of hazelnut spread or peanut butter to the batter before baking. The nutty richness pairs beautifully with the molten chocolate, adding depth and a hint of surprise.
Mix a teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the chocolate while melting it. The coffee enhances the chocolate's flavor, creating a sought-after dessert that's perfect for lovers.
Add a pinch of pepper or cinnamon to the batter for a spicy-sweet taste. The subtle heat brings a beautiful surprise.
Toss in one teaspoon of orange zest to add freshness to your batter. Orange and chocolate, it's one of those things that taste heavenly together. So refreshing and full of citrus zest.
Add a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur to the batter for a decadent finish and aroma in the cake.
Prior to baking, spoon a small dollop of salted caramel sauce into the center of each ramekin. When the cake is done, the sauce melts into it, creating an irresistible gooey surprise.
Layer fresh raspberries or chopped strawberries at the bottom of ramekins prior to pouring the batter. It is the sweetness of the berry that balances perfectly with the richness of the chocolate.
Top cake with toasted coconut flakes and coconut cream drizzled on it for a touch of tropical style. It may be an unlikely but refreshing way to give your dessert a festive twist.